I am thinking of buying a water filter for general health reasons. Does anyone in the group use one on a regular basis and do they they have any significant advantages. What do people think are the best type - or do they think the're probably just gimmicks and tap water is likely to be just as good?

I like the fact there is a water filter built into my fridge, and I always filter my water that way - I can't tell you what the filter is called, but I know it needs to be replaced every six months. Personally, I prefer to drink filtered water.

It would be good to hear other people's opinions too, regarding whether they drink filtered water or not.

I've stuck with Brita for years, though I'm curious to try a brand I've seen that adds magnesium to the water. I don't live in an especially hard water area, so a filter lasts the full 4 weeks, however, they need changing by 3 weeks if the water is very hard. I especially dislike the taste & smell of chlorine, though unfortunately the filters don't remove fluoride.

Soft/filtered water is better for the skin but not the skeletal system. Hard water is better for bone health, but makes scummy tea.

I have a Brita water filter and have used one for many years now, I do not like the tap water where I live. I live in a soft water area, Devon, but the tap water doesn't taste very nice. I visited a friend a couple of days ago who lives in Cornwall but in a little village and she just uses the tap water and her water is much better than mine!

My filter lasts for 4 weeks and I buy my new compatible ones in Wilkinsons.

I drink chilled tap water, always bottles of it in the fridge. I do wonder if I should filter the water, I know a few conspiracy theorists who would say not to drink tap water but I’m not sure. Tastes fine to me. x

I decided to have a look on the subject on youtube last. Plenty of info on there but was just as confused as ever in the end. Some suggest best things since sliced bread, others a waste of money. (take a look at the lad who tries one to filter coke ! )

Have decided to try one on a suck it and see basis ! Thanks a lot for everyone's responses.

Hi happydodderer, when you research what's actually in our water, a good filter becomes an essential & no longer a luxury. There are many different types and a great range of prices & it can get a bit confusing. All depends what you want it for; just drinking water, shower filter, whole house filter, portable filter? And your budget, but it doesn't have to cost alot to get basic, safe water.

This is a handy guide to help in choosing the right water filter for your own situation:

Hello eberybody! My water tastes awful! Lord knows what is going on. But I know for sure I need to fix that, at least in the kitchen. So I'm considering one of these countertop water filters - iwaterpurification.com/best... . Any experience with the mentioned there models?